Court Tosses Dentist’s Virus Coverage Suit Against Insurer

A Florida federal judge has thrown out a dentist’s lawsuit against his insurer over coverage for coronavirus-linked business losses, finding the commercial insurance policy “expressly excludes” damages from a virus.

Mauricio Martinez, the owner of Gulf Coast Smiles, sued Allied Insurance Co. of America in May after being denied claims tied to the decontamination and closure of his office during the pandemic. The insurer removed the case to federal court and moved to dismiss, saying state-ordered business closures never prevented access to the building.

“Most importantly, Allied also argues that the policy contains an exclusion for loss or damage caused ...